NR Search Space Configuration for UE-Specific PDCCH Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the context of NR communication systems, the uniform determination of search space detection capability for PDCCH or EPDCCH in LTE or LTE-Advanced may not fully utilize the capabilities of individual UEs, leading to inefficiencies in search space detection.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where the search space for each UE or each CORESET is flexibly set, allowing the base station to dynamically adjust the number of detections based on parameters such as slot or symbol configuration, UE capability, and service category, thereby optimizing the search space detection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If uniform search space detection capability is determined for all UEs, then system simplicity is maintained, but UE detection capabilities are not fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch space detection efficiencyVSAvoidsearch space configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by configuring different search space detection capabilities for different UEs based on their individual capabilities and service requirements. Each UE receives customized search space configurations (monitoring occasions, aggregation levels, DCI formats) tailored to its specific needs, rather than applying a uniform configuration to all UEs. This allows each UE to fully utilize its detection capabilities while maintaining system manageability through standardized configuration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the number of blind decodings is increased to improve detection reliability, then detection reliability improves, but terminal power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDCI detection reliabilityVSAvoidterminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by adaptively adjusting the number of blind decodings and search space monitoring configurations based on UE capability, service category, and channel conditions. The base station dynamically configures monitoring occasions and aggregation levels to achieve the minimum necessary detection reliability for each UE's specific requirements, avoiding excessive blind decodings that would waste power. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliable detection while optimizing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If flexible search space configuration is implemented for each UE, then detection capability utilization improves, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch space adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing configurable parameters such as monitoring occasion periodicity, aggregation levels, and DCI format types that can be adjusted based on UE capability and service requirements. The base station modifies these parameters to create flexible search space configurations for different UEs while maintaining a standardized configuration framework. This approach enables high adaptability without proportionally increasing configuration complexity, as the same set of parameters can serve multiple UE types through different parameter values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If search space monitoring is intensified to reduce collision probability, then detection reliability improves, but processing load and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDCI detection reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by configuring search space monitoring at the minimum necessary intensity for each UE's requirements. Rather than uniformly intensifying monitoring for all UEs, the base station determines the appropriate monitoring level based on UE capability and service category, applying only the necessary amount of monitoring effort. This avoids excessive processing load and power consumption while maintaining sufficient detection reliability for each UE's specific needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3641441B1Base station, terminal and communication method
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORP OF AMERICA
  • EP3641441B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3641441B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3641441B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In a base station, a setting unit for setting the number of detections sets at least one search space that includes plural control channel candidates to be targets of detection of a control signal in a terminal, and a transmission unit transmits the control signal that is mapped on any of the plural control channel candidates in the search space. Here, the number of detections in the search space by the terminal is determined based on settings of the terminal.